Harambee Stars faced with a must-win tie against Tanzania in Group C. [Courtesy]

If Sebastien Migne’s conduct in front of the cameras was a sign of the state of his team, then Harambee Stars can dare dream of a historic victory when they play Tanzania in the second Group C match on Thursday at 11pm.

The auditorium inside the 30 June Stadium was gaping after Senegal and Algeria’s press conferences; but Harambee Stars head coach remained focused and serene.

Few of the Kenyan journalists present left the room feeling somewhat convinced as to how Harambee Stars would stimulate themselves and overcome their East African neighbours Tanzania, although they did, at least, depart reassured that Migne knew what is expected of him.

“We know this will be like a derby, but we have a chance to write history with victory against Tanzania.

“We still have hope of going through.

“All we need is to correct mistakes we made in the first half of our first match; then we will have a chance to progress,” said Migne.

One situation apparently fixed on a never-ending circle is Harambee Stars’ incapability to get the most out of the wealth of individual flair in the side, but more than once during yesterday’s press conference, striker Michael Olunga felt obliged to defend their performance, or lack of it, on their relative inexperience at this level.

“We are all playing in our first Africa Cup of Nations. We don’t have much experience of playing at this level, but we also want to leave a mark. We know the Tanzanians quite well,” said Olunga.

Few Kenyans expected Harambee Stars to have an early flight home, but that may be actualised today, if they don’t beat Tanzania.

If there was a moment Stars would have wished for a superlative show, then this is it. Will the Stars pull a rabbit from the hat? They should. Do they have an option? No! Winning is the only option.

Harambee Stars are yet to inspire that sense of superiority in this continental showpiece, but there is a feeling among players and the technical team that finally, the centre might hold again and prevent things from falling apart.

In the 2-0 loss against Algeria, a lethargic presentation by all definition, Harambee Stars were disjointed, disunited and lacked in cohesion.

At least the shadow of Riyad Mahrez will not be ominous now and Olunga and company can give attention to their Tanzanian antagonists.

“We have the quality and capacity to compete against the Tanzanians. We want to be among the four best losers to progress. We are going to fight for the maximum points,” said Olunga, with a tinge of self-assurance.

Tanzania intend to give Kenya a game and their head coach Emmanuel Amunike believes it’s their time to shine.

“We respect Kenya a lot. We are neighbours back home. They also have a top player in the English Premier League, but that does not mean we won’t be fighting for the three points and prove our worth in this tournament,” said Amunike.

When Taifa Stars are on the same wavelength, they bubble, sparkle and are full of excitement and delight.

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